Notre Dame and USC are scheduled to continue their historic rivalry on October 18, with the Trojans visiting South Bend. However, the long-term future of this series hangs in the balance.

The upcoming game represents the final matchup outlined in their existing contract, and according to Sports Illustrated, USC is hesitant to sign a new long-term agreement due to uncertainties about future College Football Playoff configurations and the increasing challenges posed by their Big Ten schedule.

In addition to a trip to Notre Dame, USC will also be traveling to play Purdue (2,093 miles), Illinois (2,002 miles), and Nebraska (1,501 miles) this season.

Head coach Lincoln Riley has expressed doubts regarding the rivalry’s continuation, stating:

“There (have) been a lot of teams that sacrifice rivalry games… I’m not saying that’s what’s going to happen, but as we get into this playoff structure… we’re going to learn some about this.”

Translation: There have been several teams that have dropped rivalry games. While I’m not implying this will happen, as we navigate this playoff format, there will undoubtedly be lessons learned about how best to achieve success.

In spite of the uncertainties, USC has proposed a game in Los Angeles in 2026, although Notre Dame desires more consistent scheduling in the future.

Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua remarked:

“I think Southern Cal and Notre Dame should play every year for as long as college football is played, and SC knows that’s how we feel.”

Translation: Bevacqua believes that the annual match-up between Southern Cal and Notre Dame is essential to the legacy of college football, and that USC understands this expectation.

As an independent, Notre Dame isn’t bound to conference restrictions and has pursued a competitive schedule to bolster its playoff candidacy, including a recent 12-year agreement with Clemson. This season, they also aim to enhance their schedule with games against Miami and Florida State.